An update circulated by Judith Williams from Puhoi

ANZAC Day update – Puhoi

A community decision will see a traditional Anzac commemoration go ahead this April 25 in Puhoi despite a police directive to postpone the annual event and encourage people to travel to memorial ceremonies in larger centres such as Warkworth, Wellsford and the Hibiscus Coast.

The rationale for the directive is the lack of sufficient police force members to patrol Anzac ceremonies in smaller centres in the face of possible threats to public safety following the events of March 15, when 50 Muslim worshipers were gunned down and killed at two Christchurch mosques.

Puhoi people have, however, expressed a wish to meet, as has become traditional over the past few years, at the settlement’s war memorial gates at the entrance to the Puhoi Pioneers Memorial Park.

The familiar format – a gathering, this year at 9.30am, comprising Reveille, Scouts, Fire Brigade members and other uniformed groups, a talk by a resident war history enthusiast and the laying of wreaths – will be repeated, the major difference this year being that the coordinators of the event will be the local fire brigade, not the Puhoi Heritage Museum Society, instituters and organisers of previous commemorations.

The heritage society will abide by the police directive not to hold a commemoration in Puhoi this year.

The annual display of war memorabilia and literature, plus an Anzac biscuits and refreshments gathering at the historic Puhoi Library, will not be affected by these changes to the traditional format, except for opening times – this year from 10am to 2pm.

Instead of the usual morning tea in the community hall following the parade, the fire brigade will be hosting the refreshments following the ceremony. People can easily find parking or walk to the centrally-located station.

“The decision to go ahead with the gathering was a community one, and the risk expectation has now been lowered from high to medium,” says deputy fire chief Mike Donovan..
Ends

Puhoi Market update:

And thanks to our market manager, Jaqui Barrett, for the following village market news:

Come and join us at the Puhoi Village Market on Sunday, 28th April, 9am – 1pm.

Music this month is by Paul King and Chris Power, multi-instrumentalists and sin…gers of Celtic/ Folk Roots based music and songs. We will also be entertained by Dianne Morgan and the Jade River Ukes.

Other features at this month’s market include a visit from the Warkworth Theatre Group to promote their upcoming production ‘Allo ‘Allo and an education stand run by the Waitotora Sustainable & Resilient Living group.

A new service we are trialing is the delivery of fresh, organic veggie boxes, https://aotearoamarketgarden.co.nz/box/ orders taken between Tuesday, 23rd @ 10am – Thursday 25th @ 8pm).

There are spaces available for car boot selling (book your spot now, puhoivillagemarket@gmail.com or 021 977 181)

Funny fruit and vegetable display, bring along your produce by 10am for display. Creative interference allowed, even encouraged. An activity for the kids and adults with a sense of fun.

All this, combined with our friendly bunch of old and new stall holders and locals will make this a relaxing and enjoyable morning.

The Sports Club will be open and Jessica and her team offering hot food and drinks for a snack or brunch.

Family and dog friendly, safe play area for the kids and easy, free parking.
All enquiries – puhoivillagemarket@gmail.com or 021 977 181